Join Infinite Speech, Decapitated Dan, and the Southern Sensation each week as they gather around the water cooler of stories to talk about comics.
This week the guys tackle some Super Hero Trivia and then take a look at Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow #17, Skullkickers #18 and National Comics Rose and Thorn #1.
This weeks Kickstarter of the week can be found at: www.kickstarter.com/projects/charles-d-moisant/zombie-annihilation-15000-free-hard-copies
Amazing Spider-Man #700
Writers: Dan Slott & Christos Gage
Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli [Pencils], Dan Green [Inks], Antonio Fabela [Colors]
After spending the better part of nearly two years believing Dan Slott had killed him off, fans can rest assured knowing that the original Hobgoblin, Roderick Kingsley, is back in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man.
And he ain’t happy about the guy who took up his mantle.
The issue starts with Spider-Man interrupting a briefcase heist being committed by current Hobgoblin and Kingpin muscle Phil Urich. Philgoblin, as we’ll call him from here on out, has a trick up his sleeve, though. Shady Horizon Labs scientist Tiberius Stone is on an adjacent rooftop ready to activate a spider sense jammer, but the plan backfires and enhances Spider-Man’s senses. Narrowly escaping, Hobgoblin flies off with Stone in tow, but not before Spidey spots them.
Looking for answers, Spider-Man heads to Horizon as Peter Parker to ask his boss, Max Modell, if he knows where Stone is. It turns out, however, that Daily Bugle reporter Sally Floyd is at Horizon writing a profile on the tech company, and someone let it slip that Pete “provides technology” to Spider-Man. Naturally, Pete is instantly concerned that the story might allow people once again being able to put two-and-two together about him being Spider-Man (Dr. Strange–or Mephisto, if you’re still inexplicably angry about “One More Day”–fixed that for him after Civil War by implementing a psychic blind spot).
Heading to the Daily Bugle to try and convince Editor-in-Chief Robbie Robertson to cut that part of the story, he runs into Norah Winters and Phil Urich in the office right as Stone switches on amped-up spider-jammers citywide. Elsewhere, Madame Web’s psychic powers go into a frenzy and she projects her consciousness out into the city to deliver a message to Pete, right as the jammers are sending his spider sense into a frenzy and distracting him long enough for… Well, you’ll find out if you read the issue.
Dan Slott and Christos Gage craft a perfect beginning to the “Danger Zone” arc, raising questions about Madame Web’s fate and teasing us with a brief page of Roderick Kingsley. It’s already obvious that there’s an impending Goblin throwdown being set up, but if this is going the direction of once again revealing Pete’s identity to the world at large, one has to wonder what the point of the retcon a few years ago was. Regardless, this issue’s tone is perfect and, having read The Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus Vol. 2, in the last several months, I frequently found myself comparing it to the Lee/Romita Sr. run–definitely a good thing. Even Giuseppe Camuncoli, Dan Green, and Antonio Fabela felt more “classic” than what I’m used to seeing.
It’s gonna be a long two weeks waiting for the next issue…
Amazing Spider-Man #694
Writer: Dan Slott
Art: Humberto Ramos [Pencils], Victor Olazaba [Inks], and Edgar Delgado [Colors]
If Amazing Spider-Man #692 and 693 were about introducing Alpha, then this week’s #694 is all about setting the character up for his next chapter–whenever that may be.
Deciding to take a break from his research at Horizon Labs, Peter Parker heads out to the airport to say goodbye to his Aunt May and her husband, J. Jonah Jameson Sr., before they head back to Boston. As is the case when he has something to do or somewhere to be, he’s interrupted. The Avengers request his help fighting off Terminus, who’s once again intent on taking over the Earth.
The Avengers unfortunately have the bright idea of having Spider-Man summon Alpha, and the egotistical teen hero with more power than everyone else present darts across the world from Japan to lay the smackdown on Terminus. This causes problems, as the fight takes place above the airport and Alpha’s irresponsible use of his powers short circuits all of the planes currently in the air–including the jet carrying May and Jonah Sr. Naturally, the day is saved, but as soon as Alpha leaves, Spider-Man and the Avengers all agree his powers, created in a lab accident by Peter’s “Parker Particles,” must go.
But, irreparable damage may have already been done.
Dan Slott packs a lot of great moments into this issue, continuing to showcase Alpha as an extraordinarily unlikeable character. At least two recurring members of Spidey’s supporting casts get apparent status quo changes here, as well. Seeing Peter act in a more stern, almost parental-like manner was different for a change, and I especially enjoyed Dan’s nod to all of the people who are unclear as to whether or not Spider-Man is still a Future Foundation member. Combine this with Ramos’ art and a nice lead-in to the “Danger Zone” arc and you’ve got a solid conclusion to Slott’s 50th Anniversary story arc.
RATING: A Tantalizing Tale in the Mighty Marvel Manner!
*ALSO: If you didn’t notice, this issue’s cover was an homage to a classic cover from when the “big two” comic publishers could play nice every now and then.
Issue: Horror in the West Writer: Various Artist: Various Publisher: Alterna Comics Price: $9.99
““Horror in the West” is a horror anthology featuring eleven stories that combine the mysticism of the Old West with demons, zombies, aliens, and blood-curdling storytelling. A man who cannot be killed by the hangman’s noose, alien cattle-drives for human flesh, demon-slaying bounty hunters – all of these stories can be found here. “Horror in the West” will take you by the reigns and drive you straight over the edge!”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Well now we got ourselves a bit of a situation here pardner. You see ol’ Decap he is not to big on Western Comics, but he does love his Horror Comics, so what on Earth could he even like about Horror in the West? How about everything! This is one great looking, great reading, hootenanny of a good time! The artwork in this entire collection is GORE-Geous. I will admit that they set the bar high starting with sam Agro’s style, but no story in this ever let me down. Personally I prefered the art styles of Agro, Brian Evinou, Chris McFann and Dan Simon the most, but again they were all great. There is some really great horror scenes depicted in this book and Jeff McComsey actually takes home the prize for drawing the scariest panel. The stories, like the artwork were all very well done. As a person who doesn’t love Western stories, it’s a tough thing to make me care. Each short was original, nothing like the others in the book, and just overall fun. So many different concepts only adds to the overall value of this collection. My personal favorites were “Star Calf”, “The Hunters”, “Pinkerton Express” and “The Amulet”. I will say it once again, this collection was great. It was able to make me enjoy something I don’t typically care for, so that is a win right there. This is an Anthology that you should be adding to your bookcase. YEE HORROR!!!!
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Horror in the West you can find it at http://alternacomics.com
Issue: Koma OGN Writer: Pierre Wazem Artist: Frederik Peeters Colors: Albertine Ralenti Publisher: Humanoids Price: $29.95
“Addidas is a bright and quirky young girl who spends most of her time helping her widowed father in his job as a chimney sweep in the industrial metropolis they live in. When Addidas ventures too far into a chimney, she encounters a bizarre new friend…”
Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
I don’t even know how to start this review without just saying, Book of the Year front-runner. I was so blown away with what happened on these 280+ pages that I feel like trying to sum it up will only come across as a gushing love letter to the creators. So let’s do just that. I went into this book not knowing what to expect, well I expected to read about a little girl and her new Monster friend, but instead I was introduced to a world that was so imaginative and original. If I even try to compare this to anything, and keep in mind that I am just basing this off of the overall feel I had when I was done reading this, I would have to say Spirited Away. Yes I know that one is a movie and the other is a comic, but that is as close to any kind of comparison I can even make. The art work is so GORE-Geous from page to page. The facial expressions are so key to the telling of this story and Peeters delivers ever single time. While the colors are mostly dark in the book, dealing with a drab cityscapes, chimneys and underground monsters, it still shines page after page. The art just jumps right into your face and demands your attention. Towards the end of the book, when you are shown the scenes of the countryside, you see the full potential of this team. This story alone should be winning awards left and right. Every time I thought that I knew what was going to happen I was slapped in the face and told no. Wazem’s dialogue, which is translated into English, is done so well. His voices for the entire cast are so believable for who they all are. The story has so much mystery and depth to it. The relationship between Addidas and all of the characters will pull at your heart-strings, and when all is said and done, you will just feel alive. Is that enough gushing for you? I can not suggest a book more than I will this one. This is the whole package and so much more. I will be reading this over and over for years to come.
Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 5.0 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Koma you can find it at www.humanoids.com
“In the far future, humanity has doomed planet earth to rot and decay, covering her surface with garbage. Now, ancient spirits called the Colossals rise from the debris and attack the remaining survivors, forcing the human race to the brink of extinction. One warrior woman, Maya, sets out to find the last source of pure water to save the world before the monsters bring it all to an end.”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
What in the world is going on here? This book is awesome and WAAAY too short! Oh man I want it all right now, this was so good people! The Wieley tandem is back and in full force. If you ask me Rossmo is always out doing his own work. The way he went from Rebel Blood, which was a dark horror tale, to a bright and vibrant futuristic world full of machines, is simply amazing. He really shows off his talent with the cover alone, look at the machine aspects involved. This book is just beautiful to look at, which again leads me to wanting more RIGHT NOW! If you are not reading Wiebe’s work, then you are missing out at a man who is ascending the comic writer mountain right now. His concept for this story is mind-blowingly good, and he is writing it to perfection. The story is gripping, and if issue #1 is only a sign of things to come, then this one will be something you are all going to be talking about. Sure this is not my typical horror fare, but when I get a chance to cover anything by Wieley, I will. They are a team to be reckoned with, pushing the envelope on great original content, and proving why comics will always be a fun medium. Read Debris, you will not be disappointed.
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Debris you can find it at www.imagecomics.com
Join Infinite Speech, Decapitated Dan, and the Southern Sensation each week as they gather around the water cooler of stories to talk about comics.
This week the Clergyman is back as the guys take a look at Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #14, Fairest #7, Road to Oz #1 and Venom #24.
This weeks Kickstarter of the week can be found at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1334937359/blast-furnace-recreational-thief-volume-one?ref=live
Issue: End Times #1 Writers: Jeff Edmond, Vin Davis, Charles Anthony Artist: Vin Davis Price: $5.95
“Premier collectors issue!”
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Yes, my favorite printing style for horror comics is magazine sized, and End Times #1 knows that, so lets put a +1 in the positives column right off the bat! What this issue brings to the table is a great sense of horror comic nostalgia, mixed with some great modern tales. Now I throw in the nostalgia line because of the way this book is presented in terms of printing, and because of the overall feeling I got while reading it. The stories are a good mix of Creepy and Eerie styled themes, mixing both horror and sci-fi genres throughout. The artwork is consistent throughout, but at times I didn’t care too much for the shading styles. I kind of felt that the grey’s took away from the great line work. But that is me being nit-picky. The stories are fantastic. My favorite had to be “De-Cap-Puc-Cino”, because of the overall presentation. Davis did a great job on drawing that entire cast, and the story by Edmond was funny and creepy. Overall, this is a great first issue from this bunch. It has room to move forward with future issues, and I will only expect it to get better and better. It is easy for me to tell you to pick this one up and check it out, because I had a great time reading it.
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about End Times you can find it at http://www.horrorgeddoncomics.com
